02-13745. Proposed Information Collection Activity: Proposed Collection; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information used by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comments on information needed to record a patient's specific instructions about health care decisions in the event the patient no longer has decision-making capacity.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before August 2, 2002.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information to Ann Bickoff, Veterans Health Administration (193B1), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0556” in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ann Bickoff at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VHA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VHA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VHA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: VA Advance Directive: Living Will and Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care, VA Form 10-0137.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0556.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: VA Form 10-0137 is used to record a patient's specific instructions about health care decisions in the event the patient no longer has decision-making capacity. The information will be used by health care professionals to make treatment decisions for the patient.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 101,250 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 25 minutes.

Frequency of Response: On occasion.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 243,000.

Dated: May 13, 2002.

By direction of the Secretary.

Genie McCully,

Acting Director, Information Management Service.